#FollowUnGlu-d
As we head into the Christmas season many people will be looking to accommodate those with dietary requirements or if you are the one who has to be careful the desire doesnt stop to want to yummy food regardless. This week we are sharing Aileen Markey’s story as Founder of Unglu-d a dedicated gluten free business their own range of products and a gluten-free community via introductory baking classes and news on products, recipes and events.
We are delighted to have Aileen as a participant in our SheGenerate programme and look forward to seeing her startup journey flourish.
To get us started Aileen - how would you describe yourself in 6 words or less?
Creative, Hard Working, Classically Stubborn Tauren
What prompted you to start your business?
I’d quit my corporate job as a HR Director in 2016, moved back to Ireland with a plan to start my own business but nothing definitive in mind. I’d also recently been diagnosed with coeliac disease and was adapting to a new restricted gluten free diet. I found myself having to go to multiple shops to get what I needed or wanted so came up with the idea to start a pop up gluten free shop - everything under one roof ! And it went from there. I moved the business online, started to do classes and create my own range. My customers are coeliacs and people who are gluten intolerant. They’re also family members and friends of those living on a restricted gluten free diet.
Tell us a little bit more about you?
I grew up in Dundalk, County Louth, on leaving school I went college in the UK where I lived for almost 20 years. I started my career in Hotel Catering Management & later moved into Human Resources. I was very fortunate in that I had the opportunity to work for some great Global companies and got to live and work in countries like; Australia, Singapore & New York ! I’m now living in the beautiful coastal village of Annagassan, County Louth with my lovable rogue of a dog Mikey. Food is definitely my thing, I’m a big fan of the arts & theatre in particular. I Love music, reading, time with friends & walking the beach with the pooch.
Fill us in on your female founder journey.
I’ve learned so much from the journey so far & even though the pop ups for example required a lot of investment of time & money I gained a lot of knowledge from being with & talking to customers every day. It led me to start the classes as I felt education on the basics around cooking & gluten free is a struggle for most people. I also learned I’m way too impulsive at times in my decision making especially when if comes to money & finances. More time was & is needed in thinking these things through - I could have managed the pop ups in a smarter way. I’m good at identifying my gaps & finding people to compliment my skills (that’s the HR training ;)) but you gotta take lots of time in choosing your partners from your accountant to your social media expert. Recommendations are fantastic & necessary but can you work with that person, do they get your business & brand & will they work with you or for you. It feels incredible at times as a female founder that I’ve done this & I don’t pat myself on the back enough. It’s lonely at times & as the business is niche I’ve had ‘most’ doors shut quickly once I mention gluten free. I’ve great producer friends & shoulders to cry on, celebrate with & a couple of amazing mentors so I’m lucky.
How did you hear about AwakenHub and what prompted you to apply for SheGenerate?
I heard about it from my sister & she encouraged me to apply. Honestly I was a bit unsure as I’ve been on other programmes & was starting to feel a bit burned out. I loved the idea of it being all women & all Ireland as I’ve found being female founder in a niche area an obstacle at times.
What are you hoping to get out of the SheGenerate process?
I’m ready to blow away the cobwebs & open my mind to new ideas.
What does success look like to you - in 12 months and in 5 years?
Honestly if Unglu-d’s doors are still open in 12 months I’ll take that. That might not be lofty enough but I feel right now it’s very much day by day & I’m delighted to have come this far off my own bat.
SheGenerate is only a small part of AwakenHub - now that you have the community's attention - what can we/they do for you?
I think I’d like some very honest advice on whether this business can scale & is viable going forward. And if so how I can position it such that funding from outside is possible. If it’s not viable is there an opportunity there to do something with the brand or hand it off to a party who can.
As a founder - what are your non-negotiables and what mantra or words do you live by?
‘Just Begin’ - that’s very much how I try to live. Yes planning is important but sometimes we need to just try, just start, just give it a go. For many years I sacrificed so much personally for work & whilst I’m passionate about my business & love what I do - going to that place again is a non negotiable for me.
You can follow AIleen and find out all the info on Unglu-d via:
Instagram - @unglu_d
Twitter - @unglu_d
Facebook - @ungludgf
Website - Unglu-d
A mahousive thanks to our supporters Rethink Ireland and Ulster Bank Northern Ireland for their support in making SheGenerate possible.
